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sydapel's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I'll admit I picked this up solely to tick off a "cozy mystery" on a reading challenge, and find myself not really having a strong opinion either way on it. Mysteries aren't really my thing, and I have actively avoided WWII books for awhile now (due to the sheer overabundance of book set in that time period). Unsurprisingly for me, I enjoyed the characters far more than the plot, which really didn't work for me at all. An easy enough read, though I don't necessarily feel inclined to continue with the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: War and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
girlonbooks's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
🔓🔓🔓 (three stars as rated in locks picked by deft hands and finely honed skills)
I was given a free review copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Electra McDonnell does her best to avoid attention —as a career thief and a lock-pick, her livelihood depends on it. It's not the ideal profession, but with World War II raging around her and most of her family off fighting the Germans, Electra is left with few other options. While following a tip about an unguarded safe in the heart of London, Electra and her Uncle Mick are caught in the act by the authorities. Electra is given a choice; aid the British war effort on one mission as a lock-pick or rot indefinitely in jail for her crimes. Electra may be a thief, but she's also loyal to crown and country. After all, it's just one mission...
I was given a free review copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Electra McDonnell does her best to avoid attention —as a career thief and a lock-pick, her livelihood depends on it. It's not the ideal profession, but with World War II raging around her and most of her family off fighting the Germans, Electra is left with few other options. While following a tip about an unguarded safe in the heart of London, Electra and her Uncle Mick are caught in the act by the authorities. Electra is given a choice; aid the British war effort on one mission as a lock-pick or rot indefinitely in jail for her crimes. Electra may be a thief, but she's also loyal to crown and country. After all, it's just one mission...
"The constant goodbyes were the one part of war I knew I could never get used to."
Ashley Weaver is a real favorite of mine. I love her Amory Ames series. This one fell a bit flat for me, however. I was invested in Electra herself, but the story was rather convoluted. Also, there was so very little relationship development. The interactions between romantic partners is what I so loved about her Amory Ames books. I realize that this is a different series but... I guess I was just missing that bit. Hopefully we shall see things progress in book two? All in all, this was a quick and easy cozy mystery and if that's what you're looking for then you'd probably be keen on the twists and turns Weaver maps out in A Peculiar Combination.
✨ Rep in this book: n/a
✨ Content warnings for this book: themes of war and battle, kidnapping, murder, blood, death of a family member
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Kidnapping, and Murder
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